Supplements for Lyme Disease

By Karen Lee Richards*

Lyme disease is a complicated illness that is not always easy to treat, particularly when it has gone undetected for several years. While the proper course of antibiotics may kill the Borrelia spirochetes, they don’t heal the damage already inflicted on the body of the Lyme patient. In fact, antibiotics add to the problem because as they kill the Borrelia, they also destroy the body’s good bacteria.

As a result, in addition to systemic bacterial infection, Lyme patients generally have a weakened immune system and widespread cellular damage. This is why in addition to antibiotic therapy, many of the top Lyme experts recommend a variety of supplements to rebuild and support the overall health of their Lyme patients.

The Borrelia spirochetes are extremely adaptive organisms. They’re opportunistic, attacking the most vulnerable areas in their victim’s body. For this reason, the specific needs of every Lyme patient are different. For some, neurologic symptoms may be the most distressing, for others it may be joint pain or overall immune dysfunction. Each individual is unique and it’s important that healthcare practitioners address the patient’s specific needs when recommending supplements for Lyme.

If you search for supplements and herbs for Lyme disease, you will find dozens – possibly hundreds – of different suggestions. Ideally, it’s best to be treated by a certified holistic healthcare practitioner who is knowledgeable about Lyme disease. If that’s not possible, review the supplement protocols of several Lyme experts and try to choose one that best meets your individual needs.

The following chart is a compilation of many of the vitamins, minerals and herbs most often recommended by Lyme experts.

SUPPLEMENT

DOSAGE

PURPOSE

Probiotic: Kefir

2-4 oz. daily

Encourages growth of good bacteria. Probiotics are especially important when taking antibiotics because they help to replenish the good bacteria killed off by the antibiotics.

Probiotic: Acidophilus

2 with each meal

CoQ10

300-400 mg daily

Protects brain and nervous system, improves cellular function and boosts energy. The ubiquinol form of CoQ10 is best for adults. WARNING: Do not use while taking the anti-Babesia drug atovaquone (Mepron, Malarone) because CoQ10 interferes with the action of the medication.

1-4 tablets 3 to 4 times daily for 2 or 3 months; then 2-3 tablets 3 times daily

Supports immune modulation; blocks neurotoxic effects; has an anti-microbial effect on spirochetes. Quinovic acid glycosides in cat’s claw are similar to the quinilones widely used as antibiotics. IMPORTANT: Use only the TOA-free form of cat’s claw. (TOA stands for tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids.)

Japanese Knotweed (can be found in some forms of Resveratrol supplements)

1-4 tablets 3 to 4 times daily for 8 to 12 months

A potent antioxidant with protective effects on the brain and calming effects on the central nervous system; thought to shut down the inflammatory pathways initiated by the spirochete. According to Lyme expert Stephen Buhner, it works synergistically with antibiotics, significantly improving their effectiveness.

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In our Lyme disease books section, you will find resources on treating Lyme disease naturally, including supplement and herbal protocols.

* Karen Lee Richards is ProHealth’s Editor-in-Chief. A fibromyalgia patient herself, she co-founded the nonprofit organization now known as the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) and served as its vice-president for eight years. She was also the executive editor of Fibromyalgia AWARE, the very first full-color, glossy magazine devoted to FM and other invisible illnesses. After leaving the NFA, Karen served as the Guide to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the New York Times website About.com, and then for eight years as the Chronic Pain Health Guide for The HealthCentral Network.